President Jo Young Switzer on Dec. 8 hand-delivered a $10,000 check –
the first payment on Manchester College’s commitment to help finance a
new $318,000 pumper truck for the North Manchester Fire Department.

“We are happy to support the North Manchester Fire Department’s efforts
to provide first-rate protection for the entire community,” said
President Switzer. “This demonstrates the mutually beneficial
relationship between the town and College and respects the challenges we
face to provide a safe community for all who
live and work here.”

The College is collaborating with Timbercrest and Peabody retirement
communities to support the Manchester Fire Department in the purchase.
The town of North Manchester is providing the $78,000 down payment for
the pumper, which will take the Florida manufacturer about nine months
to build, said Town Manager Dan Hannaford.

“The Fire Department would have been several years away from being able
to finance a new truck on our own,” said Fire Chief Dan Renz. “To me,
this shows that Manchester College doesn’t want to be just the college
on the corner of town; they intend to be a part of this whole community
by being involved in matters that effect all of us.”

The College and retirement centers also helped buy a $500,000 aerial
truck for the Fire Department.

The new pumper, which firefighters will attach to hydrants to boost
water spray, will replace a 31-year-old truck that no longer can pass
the annual test for “Class A” pumping apparatus, which affects the
insurance rating – and raises insurance costs for property owners, said
Chief Renz.

Over the next six years, the College will make installment payments of
about $4,000 annually to assist with the town’s financing package for
the pumper. Peabody and Timbercrest also have committed to annual
payments.

Manchester College, with 1,075 students and 300 employees, contributes
more than $26.5 million annually to the Wabash County economy.